First Annual Jones School Prom to be Held April 22

HOUSTON, April 4, 2006—The first ever Jones School prom will take place Saturday, April 22 from 8pm-midnight at the Majestic Metro (911 Preston) downtown. Jones School students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to attend for a night of fun and to support an important cause. Net proceeds from the prom will go to the Texas Children’s Cancer Center in honor of Barbara and Don Ostdiek‘s son, Ben, who was diagnosed with Acute Myloid Leukemia in 2004. After a long and grueling struggle, Ben is returning to full health, however thousands of children every year require treatment and care from the Cancer Center.

Tickets are $50 per person and the price includes a full dinner buffet and an open bar. In traditional prom-style, there will be a DJ and complimentary valet; however the use of cabs is strongly encouraged.

Barbara Ostdiek is an associate professor of management and statistics finance at the Jones School and Don is the assistant dean of judicial affairs and director of the policy studies program for undergraduates.

FAQsIn the hopes of clarifying the details and mission of the inaugural Jones School Prom, we offer answers to the following Frequently Asked Questions…

Seriously? Prom?You bet. Just about every other business school has a “prom” or, at the very least, an end-of-the-year formal. It’s a great excuse to party, and, more importantly, it will raise money for an important cause.

Who or what will the JGSM Prom benefit?Net proceeds from the event will go to the Texas Children’s Cancer Center in honor of Barbara Ostdiek’s son, Ben, who was diagnosed with Acute Myloid Luekemia in 2004. After a long and grueling struggle, Ben is returning to full health—but there are thousands of children every year who require care from the Center. More information can be found at: Texas Children’s Cancer Center

Who all is invited?All first and second year students are invited, plus alumni from last year. All faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to attend as well. Of course, non-students be warned, this is not intended to be a stuffy gala. We anticipate a fair amount of embarrassing behavior.

When? Where?Prom will take place from 8-12 on Saturday, April 22 at the Majestic Metro (911 Preston, 77002) downtown.

How much are tickets? I’m concerned about money. By the way, I just took an offer for $100K.I hate you.

I am worried about money and my lack of employment—how much will tickets be?Tickets will be $50 per person. So, for those less mathematically inclined, it will cost $100 to bring a date / significant other.

$50?Yep. Beyond the fact that you will be supporting a great cause, the $50 ticket includes a full dinner buffet and an open bar with top-shelf liquor. Plus, there will be a DJ and complimentary valet (however, we STRONGLY recommend the use of cabs or, should you really want to relive high school, limos). Basically, there is no way we can charge less than $50 and still throw the party. At this ticket price we are still relying on corporate sponsorship just to get us to the point that we can make a significant donation to Texas Children’s.

What is the dress code?Black tie for gentleman and formal for ladies.

I generally like to drink past midnight—what are my options?We are working on getting free cover for Prom attendees at a nearby bar.

What is the deadline to buy tickets?.Early registration ends at midnight on April 18, 2006 at midnight. Cost will be $50 per ticket. After this date tickets will be available for $75 each until April 21, 2006 at Noon. No tickets will be available after this time and no tickets will be available at the door.

Is space limited?Yes. It is advisable to buy tickets as early as possible.

Look, this sounds fun and all, but I have pretty bad memories from high school prom.Hey, there’s no better time for redemption.